It’s midnight in the Red River Valley and a winter storm in the process of covering everything in sight, including the small dog that is taking me for a walk. The bare limbs of the aspen trees are already decorated, a sure sign that a wet snow is falling, piling up on even the smallest of limbs. As for the evergreens, it is beginning to look like a Christmas tree flocker has gone on a tear, with no pine or spruce left behind. This is not, however, artificial snow on the trees: it's the real deal, cold, fresh and white. It's a blizzard now, complete with blowing and limited visibility, but the first light of morning will reveal a chaste blanket of quiet white throughout the valley.

The sound of the New Zealand snowmakers at the Red River Ski Area is as strong now as when the guns and snow wands began to hum just a few hours ago. The Kiwi crew is making the most of the opportunity to encourage their snow to mingle with nature's contribution. There's something to be said for having the best snowmaking capabilities in the Southern Rockies. Still, the sight of real snow descending from the low-hanging clouds never fails to send an excited ripple through the citizens of Red River. Snow is always a most welcome sight to The Ski Town of the Southwest.

Now, in the middle of the night, the snow has taken over the asphalt and concrete. Just for a moment my thoughts turn to those who are traveling so late tonight. "Take your time," I whisper to no one in particular. The sound of a car coming down the pass commands my attention. I watch it descend from the pass and wonder if it's someone I know returning from a trip to Eagle Nest or a load of visitors to my valley. Flakes dance in the headlights, swirling to and fro like tiny ballerinas intent on dazzling the audience with their perfection. Tonight, it is the Nutcracker with a cast of millions, striving to make the performance memorable. Feeling the snow on my face and tongue, hearing the flakes landing on my well-worn hat and watching as the winter world is overwhelmed by crystal formations, I am a child again, in love with the world around me. Winter in the Red River Valley is a very special time. Come share it with us.

Fritz Davis, Editor